Motto:"Know that I am Razorclaw, that my reality is not yours, and while I share Tigerhawk's dual Spark and Vok heritage... I am NOT he!"

Weapon: Ion Particle Blaster

You've heard of Bennifer and Branjelina, now the latest episode of theSeibertron.comTwincast is here to tackle the thorny issue of "ReChrome", the relationship between IDW's Chromedome and Rewind, featured in "More Than Meets The Eye". Join host Counterpunch along with regular crew Razorclaw, Seibertron, jON3.0, and tigertracks 24 for discussions about this topic and much more. As always, the episode is available directly and in our RSS Feed and should appear on iTunes within 24 to 48 hours of this news post.

Episode #68 includes the following discussion topics:

Bragging Rights and catch up with Counterpunch and Tigertracks!

In hand with Generations Springer and Blitzwing. Most of the cast has these now, and we give our unvarnished opinions, good and bad!

Transformers Comic Roundtable: What does Chromedome and Rewind's relationship mean to the continuity? Does it matter? Why was it done? Join us for a respectful, candid discussion on the nature of sexuality and relationships in the IDW universe.

Wait, is this being portrayed as a homosexual relationship? Or did I misread what this was about. Before I watch the podcast, just my initial reaction is that this seems ridiculous. I think that any Transformers "relationships" seem utterly ridiculous. Transformers don't exactly have gender, but rather some allusions to gender. So a lot of relationships between Transformers seem ridiculous and superfluous. Another question I have (not being an IDW reader), are relationships common in IDW canon? If it is I can understand this ReChrome relationship, however if it's not then this seems like a publicity stunt.

Just an FYI, there was some hesitation in even having this discussion for fear that no matter how academically or responsibly it was done, someone somewhere would still jump at any one small thing said and take issue with it.

Please listen and differentiate between what is being discussed and what the staff's actual opinions are.

I, and this is just me plain talking it, think this is a great topic and discussion with no one right answer.

welcometothedarksyde wrote:Wait, is this being portrayed as a homosexual relationship? Or did I misread what this was about. Before I watch the podcast, just my initial reaction is that this seems ridiculous. I think that any Transformers "relationships" seem utterly ridiculous. Transformers don't exactly have gender, but rather some allusions to gender. So a lot of relationships between Transformers seem ridiculous and superfluous. Another question I have (not being an IDW reader), are relationships common in IDW canon? If it is I can understand this ReChrome relationship, however if it's not then this seems like a publicity stunt.

Motto:"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war."

Weapon: Reciprocating Laser Cannon

When I heard Counterpunch open the podcast:I did a fist pump (think breakfast club).

As for Chromedome and Rewind, it's a bromance, always read that way to me. Jumping to them being in a homosexual relationship simply because they cared about eachother is rediculous. Yes they love eachother, no they are not in love with eachother, no they are not males as we humans classify the male sex. They are males in terms of personality and characteristics.

The relationship between them read perfectly as a "best friendship"!

All that being said before listening to the whole podcast... Man I hope you guys discuss the comics in this issue...

Seibertron.com is a Transformers fansite. It is not a fansite about 3rd party products. I do NOT care for 3rd party products. I am TIRED of seeing the stuff here on this site. That's all it comes down to.

I've always been of the mind that Transformers are genderless, and rather just identify better with one gender or another (as gender serves, at is base form, as sexual reproduction which Transformers don't do). So, I've always imagined that they can 'love' each other in many ways, even as bonded partners. I can't say it bothers me, as long as they don't start giving Transformers genitals.

JRFitzpatrick7 wrote:As for Chromedome and Rewind, it's a bromance, always read that way to me. Jumping to them being in a homosexual relationship simply because they cared about eachother is rediculous.

Nope. Chromedome & Rewind are GAY GAY GAY. They're a couple of gay robot lovers. Sure, they can't have robot sex but they love each other & they are gay. No big whoop. And the writer has some pretty big balls to introduce the concept but it seems like he did so with the right amount of ambiguity.

Just an FYI, there was some hesitation in even having this discussion for fear that no matter how academically or responsibly it was done, someone somewhere would still jump at any one small thing said and take issue with it.

Please listen and differentiate between what is being discussed and what the staff's actual opinions are.

I, and this is just me plain talking it, think this is a great topic and discussion with no one right answer.

Let's see how this goes.

I believe I'm the one who claimed "dirty pool". It probably came across a lot nastier than I had intended, and if so I apolgize. But yes, this is a potentially difficult conversation to have. I appreciate that the crew at least broached the subject as yeah: I did feel that it was purposely left out of the previous podcast due to the tricky nature.

It almost feel like this is a topic specifically taylored for message board conversation. Mostly because (and sorry Ryan) other Transformers boards I participate in have a much more active message board community; of which this topic has already been talked about ad nauseam. Which is good! In fact, I'm pleasantly surpised at the number of fans I've seen be like: "F it. Love is love. Rewind and Chromedome forever". But mainly, typing things out allows time to think, to analyze, and to prepare a more neutral voice.

I certainly don't think anyone should be castigated for their views if they don't agree with this topic. Being able to explain a standpoint logically (in the author's mind) without feeling pressure to be completely PC for fear of stepping on toes is important in furthering both the topic of uh, Transformers comics as well as progressing discussions regarding the LGBT community.

Each one of you brought up what I feel are legitimate problems with Roberts' handling of Rewind and Chromedome's relationship. Mostof them seem to stem from IDW's dictum of 'Transformers have no gender', which is a weird stance anyway.

Personally I felt the Rewind and Chromedome relationship was very well fleshed out. There were enough queues and subtle hints along the way to let readers know that this wasn't just a friendship. The scene in MTME #12 where Chromedome doesn't have any innermost energon is basically where Roberts tips his hat completely by assigning them as 'conjunx endura'.

I'm tempted to agree but TFs are already full of familiar traits & characterizations that we readily accept, so what's wrong with a few more? The idea of siblings is equally outlandish but I think the writers made that one contextual, i.e. Topspin & Twin Twist having a shared spark or whatever. I say kudos to the writers for adding to the mythos.

I'm tempted to agree but TFs are already full of familiar traits & characterizations that we readily accept, so what's wrong with a few more? The idea of siblings is equally outlandish but I think the writers made that one contextual, i.e. Topspin & Twin Twist having a shared spark or whatever. I say kudos to the writers for adding to the mythos.

Agreed.

Now the real matter at hand is taking the subject matter and making it legitimate by not having this be a one time thing.

The cat is out of the bag, if there is nothing more to the idea of relationships between Transformers, then issue 16 becomes little more than a strange footnote.

I'm tempted to agree but TFs are already full of familiar traits & characterizations that we readily accept, so what's wrong with a few more? The idea of siblings is equally outlandish but I think the writers made that one contextual, i.e. Topspin & Twin Twist having a shared spark or whatever. I say kudos to the writers for adding to the mythos.

I think a lot of people get hung up on these aspects of the mythos because they have a difficult time grasping what the Transformers are. People see that they are robotic and stop there, call them robots.

About to get REAL nerdy here!

They aren't just robots! They are autonomous robotic beings (from the planet Cybertron). They are an alien race that has a robotic physiology.

Seibertron.com is a Transformers fansite. It is not a fansite about 3rd party products. I do NOT care for 3rd party products. I am TIRED of seeing the stuff here on this site. That's all it comes down to.

Alright this seems to have turned into the "Is Chromedome and Rewind REALLY gay?" Thread...

My two cents/perspective on the subject:- In a franchise highly populated my male figures, relationships like this are VERY common.- This isn't wrong in any sense because everyone in the series is used to it.- They're alien robots, who are we to say that isn't right?- It is practically a very strong bromance. Love doesn't mean they have to make love, just that they are such good friends that they care deeply for each other.

Regardless of the politics, Chromedome is one of my favorite characters in MTMTE and I think he deserves a new figure.

Bob, you said "you wanted more issues of Chromedome and Rewind" now that you know about their relationship, and there's nothing wrong with that, but think of it this way, we had a great view of their relationship for 16 issues! It might just seem like a normal relationship, and that's because it is. Those relationships are normal, and that's the beauty of it. It doesn't matter what one's sexuality is, or if Transformers have a sex, or a gender, or a sexuality, the one thing that resonates with me the most is that I'm not going to look at Chromedome any more differently from now on then before.

While I could explain this as the byproduct of Robert's great fleshing out of CD's character or my own personal bringing up of accepting people for who they are, I think the most important factor for me is that a Transformer's relationship or what they like or who they like is as important as their skill, their willpower, their intelligence, their weaknesses and their strengths, or they toy bio - it doesn't really matter all that much

That's why I think I can move on from this with ease and not make such a big deal about it. It's not a big deal at all!

Motto:"Know that I am Razorclaw, that my reality is not yours, and while I share Tigerhawk's dual Spark and Vok heritage... I am NOT he!"

Weapon: Ion Particle Blaster

Blurrz wrote:Bob, you said "you wanted more issues of Chromedome and Rewind" now that you know about their relationship, and there's nothing wrong with that, but think of it this way, we had a great view of their relationship for 16 issues! It might just seem like a normal relationship, and that's because it is. Those relationships are normal, and that's the beauty of it. It doesn't matter what one's sexuality is, or if Transformers have a sex, or a gender, or a sexuality, the one thing that resonates with me the most is that I'm not going to look at Chromedome any more differently from now on then before.

While I could explain this as the byproduct of Robert's great fleshing out of CD's character or my own personal bringing up of accepting people for who they are, I think the most important factor for me is that a Transformer's relationship or what they like or who they like is as important as their skill, their willpower, their intelligence, their weaknesses and their strengths, or they toy bio - it doesn't really matter all that much

That's why I think I can move on from this with ease and not make such a big deal about it. It's not a big deal at all!

It's not that I'm unaccepting of it, or anything like that. I was mainly disappointed that we had some subtext and hints for 11 issues, a "big reveal" in 12, and then not much, until 15 and 16 for Rewind's sacrifice and eulogy. Roberts teases a relationship, then tells you flat out it is one, and then uses it for a Joss Whedon-esque heart-wrench. I think it would have been great for him to explore the minutae of the relationship more. Does Chromedome leave his torso armor in the cabin? Does Rewind mumble during a recharge cycle?

We never got to see enough of two Cybertronian life forms living together (regardless of gender/sexuality). That's why it felt forced and plot facilitating to me.

Never once did I intend to come across as unaccepting of the human analogue, that's for sure! I apologize if I did.

Haha you don't have to apologize at all. You're not the Canadian here I just bought your quote up for reference and in no means wanted to do it negatively.

I think Roberts did this... simply because it is quite a touchy subject in society. Imagine if we knew about this relationship from Issue 1. In retrospective, despite how open-minded western society has become, I believe alot of fans and myself included, would have judged the two as bots that are 'different', rather than just as bots. Now that I know that they have this sort of relationship, conjux endura and what not, it doesn't change anything for me because they've proceeded just as the others have. I'm happy that I was able to judge them by their actions and not by their interests.

But I do agree. There needs to be more focus on the Cybertronian lifestyle - comics are the perfect medium for it.

Caelus wrote:My wife pointed out something interesting about the prehistoric Predacons. I said that everyone was complaining because transforming for them mostly consisted of them just standing up-right. She essentially said, 'So? That's what our ancestors did.'

I've wanted to try the Transformers Legends game for Android since it came out but can't get over all the permissions it requires. It doesn't surprise me that this "game"/personal information mining program heats up your phones and burns through your battery life. The art in this game is incredible, and again, would love to try it out but would definitely prefer a book filled with pictures of the cards... or physical cards!

And that's all I have to say about that.

Still holding out on Springer and Blitzwing somehow. I think Fort Max helps.

Been meaning to get back into the comics. Not sure which series is for me yet. I haven't been in the comics scene pretty much since War Within ended.

Not sure how to wrap this post up.I popped my Seibertron Podcast cherry. I like it. Would listen again.

Bromance... I agree. It's "I Love You, Man" with Transformers. Haha! And GO GET THAT TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS GAME! I'm telling you it's kickass! Oh, and hook up your cell to your pc so you can get all that awesome artwork and stuff on your computer too! Changed my Facebook background and profile pic with my epic Shockwave images.

I'm shocked so much time is spent discussing gender, sexuality and gender roles. I don't care who's in love with you. The question is, was it poignant? Did it stir a reaction for you? Did it make sense for the characters? Optimus Prime could be ga ga for Megatron for all I care. As long as it were handled with respect to the characters, I couldn't care less. These robots, autonomous beings or whatever you want to call them are as human in their personalities as can be. Why is emotion or even love such a taboo thing here? These aren't your fathers Transformers indeed. Thank God for that.

Flux Convoy wrote:I'm shocked so much time is spent discussing gender, sexuality and gender roles. I don't care who's in love with you. The question is, was it poignant? Did it stir a reaction for you? Did it make sense for the characters? Optimus Prime could be ga ga for Megatron for all I care. As long as it were handled with respect to the characters, I couldn't care less. These robots, autonomous beings or whatever you want to call them are as human in their personalities as can be. Why is emotion or even love such a taboo thing here? These aren't your fathers Transformers indeed. Thank God for that.

Respectfully, I'd say that the topic has always been a discussion point since female Transformers were introduced in S2 of G1.

It has never been a simple or quiet issue with a lot of how and why questions remaining unanswered.

To complicate the matter further, gender and gender identity is a topic this very comic line tackles in a very strange fashion, leaving more questions than answers in its wake.

So when we have a new theme, the possibility of what might be"Romantic Love", it most certainly is a topic worth discussing at length and should not be simply taken at face value.

I don't think anyone on the cast would argue that the plot "moment' was poignant.

The questions that arise from it are, "Does this fit within the existing framework?" "Is it expanding the story framework?" "Will it have lasting relevence?"

On the gender matter, the writer has set up a few questions that really do need answers. "Are Transformers gender neutral? (This one solves almost every issue or point of discussion...)" "What does Arcee's engineered gender mean? Were the rest male? Were the rest genderless and 'females' are the only gender? Does any of it matter since gender is not a necessary element of procreation?"

Of course, even putting these questions out there is somewhat of a matter in embarrassing nerd analysis. However, this is a podcast, a discussion show, so when the fandom begins to discuss these matters, we try to do so openly and honestly.